Nine full-backs Sunderland could sign in the summer
Sunderland need to bolster their defensive options this summer – with the squad still short of options in the fullback areas.
Lastseason,BlackCatsboss Alex Neil had to adapt by playing people out of position and switching to a wing-back systemtoaccommodateanunbalanced squad.
Neil often set his sides up in a 4-2-3-1 formation at former clubs Norwich and Preston, and may want to deploy a similar system at Sunderland for the 2022/23 campaign.
While Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has said the Black Cats will have a competitive budget this summer, they will also be looking at the loan and free agent markets.
Here are nine players they could try to sign:
Neil Taylor: Dennis Cirkin was Sunderland's only recognised left-back for much of the 2021/22 campaign and it's anareatheBlackCatswillneed to strengthen. Taylor, 33, was a reliable option for Middlesbrough last season, making 14 league appearances. The formerSwanseamanisnowafree agent.
Andrew Hughes: Neil was inchargeofPrestonwhenthey signed Hughes from Peterborough. While the 30-year-old has two years left on his contract at Deepdale, he would provideareliableoptionatleftback, while he can also play in the heart of defence.
Moses Odubajo: Sunderland need more cover at rightback, even if Carl Winchester continues to play in defence. Odubajo is set to leave QPR this summer after making 28 Championship appearances last season. The 28-year-old predominantly played as a right-back during his career, but has also operated further forward and on the left.
LeeBuchanan:Derbymanaged to trigger a clause to extend the 21-year-old's contract by an extra year following reports they could lose him on a freetransferthissummer.Still, TheRams'relegationtoLeague One means there is likely to be increased interest in the highly-rated left-back.
Callum Brittain: Brittain, 24, is a player who likes to get forward and, despite a disappointing 2021/22 campaign, helped Barnsley reach the play-offs during the previous season.
Cyrus Christie: An attacking right-back who played as a wing-back for Swansea while on loan. The 29-year-old remains a Republic of Ireland international and will leave Fulham this summer. Sunderlandarestillshortofoptionson the right side of defence and, while Neil may want to deploy a back four, the Cats boss regularly used a wing-back system.
Ryan Nyambe: Blackburn offered the right-back a new contract this summer yet the 24-year-old is set to leave Ewood Park in search of a new opportunity. Nyambe came through the ranks at Blackburn and has made over 150 first-team Championship appearances since breaking into the first team.
Marlon Fossey: The 23-year-old has returned to Fulham after impressing on loan at Bolton last season. Fossey often operated as a wingback for Ian Evatt's side and registered five assists in 16 appearances for Wanderers. An injury curtailed his loan spell, yet his performances will have attractedinterest.Hehasayear left on his contract at Fulham.
Tommy Smith: Smith is another player who is set to become a free agent this summer after his contract expired at Stoke. Smith, 30, has played regularly for the Potters over the last three seasons in the Championship, operating on the right of a back four and as a wing-back.